Thirteen Dayak non-governmental organisations in Sarawak condemned the senseless murder of Dayak activist Bill Kayong, who was gunned down by unknown persons in Lutong, Miri early today.
Kayong, 43, was stopping at a traffic light intersection when he was killed.
Among them are the Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU), Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA), Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (SADIA), Dayak Graduates Association (SGA), Bidayuh Graduates Association (BGA), Barisan Iban Sarawak (BISA) and the Dayak National Congress (DNC).
LIVE UPDATES PKR Miri's Bill Kayong shot dead
Their spokesman Dr Dusit Jaul, who is DGA president, read out a joint statement at a press conference held at a hotel here.
"This senseless act has caused deep anger among members of the Dayak communities as such act is akin to stirring a hornet's nest while at the same time, testing Dayak resolve.
"In the light of this murder, we call and urge members of the communities to keep calm and not to take the laws into their own hands," he said.
Dusit said the police should conduct a fast and thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to book.
Datuk John Tenuwek, Malaysia's former ambassador to Myanmar and DNC deputy president said he was shocked by the news.
"This is an act against the state of Sarawak, the country of Malaysia and humanity and not against the Dayak communities alone.
"Although I did not know him personally, I heard a lot about him struggling tirelessly for Dayak land rights," he said.
SADIA President Sidi Munan said the police should not leave any stone unturned in their investigation.
"But let us not interfere in their investigation. We should assist if we could in whatever way possible so that we will know the motive, the perpetrators and those behind the perpetrators," he said.
Bernama
Tue Jun 21 2016
A file photo of Bill Kayong (centre) campaigning for the Sarawak state election last month. - Facebook/Bill Kayong
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.